Caithness Horizons: Museum, Gallery Shop & Cafe

Galleries

Caithness Horizons is an enthralling visitor attraction located in Thurso which acts as a hub for the surrounding Caithness area.

The magnificently restored building houses a permanent exhibition which tells the story of the county of Caithness from the geological period known as the Devonian (about 416 to 359 million years ago) to the present day. The Gallery hosts temporary exhibitions including displays of work by local artists.

Commanding attention on arrival at the museum is the Early Medieval Sculpture exhibition, which features four Pictish stones and two Norse rune-inscribed memorial stones from Caithness.

In the Main Exhibition Hall there is a series of themed displays, which bring to life the fascinating heritage of Caithness. Highlights include the famous fossil fish of Caithness and archaeological objects that date from the Neolithic and Bronze Age. Visitors can wander through displays of birds, and meet Thurso's famous geologist and botanist Robert Dick. The Robert Dick exhibition features plant specimens from Robert Dick's herbarium, now accessible to the public for the first time in many years.

In 1954 Dounreay was the site chosen to pioneer the development of the fast breeder reactor programme. In March 1955 work commenced with excavation for the construction of the spherical dome of the Dounreay Fast Reactor (DFR), which has become an enduring symbol of the site. The Dounreay exhibition explores the history of the Nuclear Research Establishment and the impact that it has had on Caithness. New for 2015 is an exhibition that has the reconstructed Control Room from the Dounreay Materials Testing Reactor as its centrepiece.

Caithness Horizons takes visitors on a truly remarkable journey into all that Caithness has to offer. There is a Cafe and Gift Shop onsite to ensure visitors have a fully enjoyable experience.

Gradings

Opening Times

Open All Year

2015 Opening Times

1 Jan 2015 - 31 Dec 2015

Sundays April - September ONLY

Catering

Cafe / Restaurant available on site

Full Alcohol Drinks License

Lunch Available

Tea & Coffee Available

Vegetarian Food Available

Domestic

Toilets

Leisure Facilities

Gift Shop

Special Requirements

Coach Parties Welcome

School Groups Welcome

Children

Baby Changing Facilities Available

Children Welcome

Highchair Available

Facilities

24hr CCTV

ASVA Member

Audio Loop

Disabled Access

No Smoking Permitted

Location

Town Centre

Transport

Free Parking Off-Site/Street

Public Parking Nearby

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Road Directions

Follow signs to Thurso, then signs to Caithness Horizons, park in Riverside car park, then walk up Wilson Lane until you arrive at the pedestrian precinct. The main entrance to Caithness Horizons is on your right.

Public Transport Directions

Getting there by railway:- Regular service from Inverness to Thurso. Walk along Princes Street to junction with Olrig Street, turn right, Cross at pedestrian crossing and proceed along precinct. Caithness Horizons is on the right.

Getting there by aeroplane:- Nearest airports Wick & Inverness

Getting there by ferry:- Regular service from Orkney. Arrives to Scrabster Harbour. Bus from Scrabster Harbour to Town Centre. Proceed along precinct to venue.

Transport within Scotland

For public transport information to visit here from within Scotland, enter your postcode and visit date below.

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Time

Date

Access to Public Areas (Displays, exhibits, rides etc)

Level access (i.e. no steps or thresholds) or access by a ramp or lift to :

a public toilet suitable for visitors who use a wheelchair

General

Wheelchairs provided

These are freely available

Where appropriate there is a hearing loop system [e.g. ticket counter/ gift shop]

Parking

There is a drop-off point for guests immediately outside the main entrance

Cafeteria / Restaurant

Level access (i.e. no steps or thresholds) or access by a ramp or lift to the :

cafeteria

Lift

There is a lift

There are verbal announcements for stops at each floor

This information is self-assessed; therefore we accept no liability for its accuracy. Please contact the venue for further information.